The Dallas Stars’ regular season’s top scorer finally tallies one.
The narratives continue, as they always do this time of year. First it was “can the Stars contain Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar without Miro Heiskanen?” Then Game 7 happened. Next, the narrative was “which U.S. goalkeeper will rise to the top?,” and we all saw how that went.
Now, it’s “Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl show against the Stars depth.” And for 41 minutes last night, it looked like the two best players in the world were just going to take over the series. I’ll admit, I was feeling pretty glum after two periods last night.
Listen…it’s not supposed to get easier. And all signs point to the very clear notion that it really, really won’t. But maybe, just maybe, something is switching on in the Stars locker room – that much-lauded depth could be finally waking up. If it truly does, watch out.
The Stars had 6 goals from 5 different goal scorers last night – and none of them were named Rantanen, Hintz, Robertson, or Johnston. Nothing to malign those players at all (and to be fair, Rantanen did get an assist on Matt Duchene’s goal), but those are “top-line” guys, and the story here is about the Stars’ depth. It’s the secondary scoring that experts say gives the Stars the edge. So where’s it been?
There’s a glimmer of hope that’s it’s coming back at the right time.
Dallas Stars Stuff
Like I said, it was glum after 2 periods. Enter Tyler Seguin….
"We have a lot of belief in us. We never really think that we are ever fully out of a game."
— Victory+ (@victoryplustv) May 22, 2025
Tyler Seguin comments on what was said in the locker room to spark the @DallasStars going into the third period👇#TexasHockey pic.twitter.com/A8QxnGfmUK
More of this, please.
Priceless…. #DallasStars #TexasHockey #WesternConferenceFinal #DALvsEDM pic.twitter.com/I5QVdY9SzT
— Hockey1Stars 💚 (@Hockey1Stars) May 22, 2025
And the monkey is officially off his back.
STAY LOUD!!!!!! pic.twitter.com/hBptIm3FGj
— X – Dallas Stars (@DallasStars) May 22, 2025
In The East…
Tonight is game 2 in the Eastern Conference Finals, with Carolina trying to get one back after Florida took game 1.
Another game night in Raleigh! 🤪
— NHL (@NHL) May 22, 2025
ICYMI: The Hurricanes have not lost back-to-back games in the 2025 #StanleyCup Playoffs…
📺: @FlaPanthers vs. @Canes Eastern Conference Final Game 2 TONIGHT at 8p ET on @NHL_On_TNT, @SportsonMax, @Sportsnet, and @TVASports pic.twitter.com/KYHuoy7H7D
Greetings From Scenic Cedar Park!
The Texas Stars also came out firing last night, and have taken a lead in the best of 5 series.
The Texas Stars delivered a 6-1 win over the Milwaukee Admirals in Game Three of the Central Division Finals on Wednesday night at UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena. Fueled by a four-goal third period, the Stars took a 2-1 lead in the best-of-five series.
— x – Texas Stars (@TexasStars) May 22, 2025
More ⬇
Finally
There’s our Finns! All five on the ice for Esa Lindell’s empty-netter!
Goodnight, Texas 💚
— X – Dallas Stars (@DallasStars) May 22, 2025
Huomenta Suomi 🇫🇮 pic.twitter.com/qtvoRZiycC